Sarah has loved and trained both dogs and horses from a very early age. Her Staffordshire bull terrier, Mona, is trained as both a therapy dog and disaster stress relief dog. In addition, Sarah has trained her German Shepherd, Soren, as a service dog. Before starting her full-time writing business, Sarah worked with a top pet food company as a consultant to veterinarians conducting weekly classes on canine and feline nutrition for the doctors and staff. Read more posts from Sarah...

I purchased a six month order, all prepaid. The only reason I did order was there was a special going on that the first box would be doubled. After a few days the tracking hadn't updated so I chatted with them, and "it will be going out in the next day or two." Two weeks later and NOTHING has shipped. They keep offering me free boxes, but I can't seem to get the initial one that I paid for. A few days ago, a different lady said no you should have gotten it by now I will send a replacement. I thought ok great finally! HAHAHAHA Jokes on me!!! I received an email saying that my replacement was no longer available, but they would be happy to give me a free box at the end of my subscription. I am beyond frustrated, and fed up. I've asked to cancel my subscription, but they keep saying give it a little while. I just want my money back. I can go to the store and buy my babies toys...
I subscribed to Barkbox last Dec and continued it for 3 months. I have a chihuahua who loves treats, but I don’t feed her treats in such large quantities. My boxes always included some sort of sausage bar which she loved, about 2-3 large bags of treats and 1-2 toys. The treats were too much; in fact, we still have a few bags despite cancelling a few months ago. The “squeaky” toys were ok, but they were pretty cheap and didn’t last. For the monthly cost of the box, “we” were better off saving the $$$ and applying it to better toys and treats in smaller quantities. I can see this box being better for consumers with larger pets since they eat much more than a chihuahua. Every 5 lbs a dog gains is equivalent to a human gaining 20!! If we fed our beloved pet “all” the treats they were sending, she’d turn into a chunky monkey and it would be very unhealthy for her. So, the box, in my humble opinion, is better for larger dogs who can eat more treats with less repercussions.
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I have been a BarkBox subscriber for 4 years and have previously found them to be mildly inefficient but the billing is accurate, the toys are cute and the packaging is tidy. However, I recently placed a gift order to BarkBox and things have gone badly. I got a delivery eta of a week out. Package not received 2 weeks later, multiple (5) follow-up emails entirely ignored by BarkBox. Response that finally came cited “mass email” to all subscribers (never received, although I continue to receive lots of sales emails from BarkBox) and “ongoing warehouse inventory”, and hopes that the box will ship in the next week or so. There is no mechanism for expediting support requests, and the front line folks appear to working from scripts intended to appease and retain customers, regardless of whether or not the problem can be addressed.

Not only is this Mammoth Flossy Chews Cotton Blend Rope Tug built strong to last for hours of play, but it features a three-knot design. These knots give you an easy hand hold during games of tug and also provide your dog with something to hold on to for carrying the toy around. You'll also love the fact that this rope tug is very colorful and it comes in five sizes from mini to extra-large.

One of the many things we love about Barkbox? The company devotes itself to helping at-risk pets through a generous philanthropic program using some of their sales proceeds. We can’t help but share this inspirational video that demonstrates the heart behind Barkbox. See what they did to celebrate one dog’s incredible journey back from a life of terrible abuse.

The box is extra fun because it has a new surprise theme to keep things fresh each month. If they can’t find something your dog will love that fits the theme, they make it themselves! One of the coolest things is that they have an online store – called BarkShop – where you can order more of what your dog loved in their box. (their product descriptions are hilarious by the way and will keep you entertained for hours).
"A BOX FOR RUFF AND TUFF MUTTS..and their owners! A box of durable chews and toys and high quality treats for Bully Breeds, Heavy Chewers, and your favorite Blockhead Dog. Also, packed with T-shirts, hats and other gear for dog-loving owners. A portion of all proceeds go to charities, rescues and humane law enforcement to combat animal cruelty and dog fighting. One, three, six and twelve month payment options to choose from."
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After launching in 2011, Barkbox saw more than $1 million in revenues per month after only 2 years in business. By February 2014, they reached $25 million in revenue per year. It’s no wonder so many other monthly dog box companies popped up after Barkbox’s initial (and continuing) success. Here are the features that make Barkbox a winner for you and your pooch:

I was very, very impressed with what was inside. I’ll admit that their prices look a tad more expensive than other boxes but shipping is included, there were a healthy number of products in the box, the products inside were definitely in the high-average category, and every one of the products in the box – both treats AND toys – are made in the USA.

The first BarkPark is scheduled to open on September 8 in Nashville, Tenn. It will be open daily between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. through November. The BarkPark will encompass a landscaped green space designed for dogs to run around as well as access to plenty of Bark-branded toys and treats. (Bark currently produces more than 430 new toys each year.) The park is promised to be cleaned regularly, and there will be BarkPark “hosts” who are also trained professionals to monitor dog play and ensure safety for all attendees.
Unfortunately I had to cancel my bark box subscription. I have huge dogs, aggressive chewers. Each month they send a toy, a stuffed toy. Which lasts all of 15 minutes with my dogs… I contacted Bark box month after month requesting non stuffed toys. Each month they stated OK we will fix this, each month a stuffed toy. — Kathleen K., k9ofmine.com, 2/23/2015
After launching in 2011, Barkbox saw more than $1 million in revenues per month after only 2 years in business. By February 2014, they reached $25 million in revenue per year. It’s no wonder so many other monthly dog box companies popped up after Barkbox’s initial (and continuing) success. Here are the features that make Barkbox a winner for you and your pooch:
I'm brand new to Bark Box and I ordered my very 1st BB for my dog on August 1st. Here it is now August 9th and no box. When I chatted with a rep I was told that the boxes are delayed due to a change in location and I would be receiving an email w/a tracking # "soon". Still no email, no tracking #. Such a disappointment from what seems to be a solid company that cares about our dogs. I will be canceling my subscription after I receive this box. If I don't receive it by next week I'll be requesting a full refund. I'm only giving 1 star because they do donate to pet shelters.
I love barkbox ! We switch [sic] from petbox to here because we heard they offered much more variety ! Which they definitely did ! Amazing way of trying new products out for your pup big or small . It’s like Christmas every month for my Lhasa apso when the mailman delivers his barkbox ! Again worth it for the money! — Maddie R., Influenster.com, 6/17/2015
Fine Print: Each box contains dog training gear, including a halti harness and a treat pouch, dog training exercises and lessons, plus training games designed for the whole family to enjoy. They even offer bite prevention lessons and a dog body language card game that can help teach your kids how to read and respect your dog (while still having fun)! Good Dog In a Box provides the tools you need to ensure a well-integrated canine/human family.
Baby Dan® Bach® Bags on Board Ballistic Dog Banixx™ Barkworthies Bausch + Lomb Bayer B-Air Beefeaters Bell Rock Growers Inc. Bench & Field Holistic Natural Benebone Bergan Pet Products Best Friend Mobility Big Creek Foods Bimeda® BIO-GROOM Bio-Nutrition Laboratories BioBubble™ BiologicVet Biomedical Research Laboratories™ Bionaire Bionic BioSilk for Dogs BiOrb Products BIXBI Bonnie & Clyde Bluestem Blue Buffalo Pet Food & Treats Bramton Products Bravo Breathalyser PLUS by ImRex Burt's Bees Brush Buddy by Rough & Tumble LLC
Jessica lives and breathes everything Dachshund, hiking and camping with dogs, and blogging. She's the Chief editor of the award-winning blog You Did What With Your Wiener?, has been hiking with her dogs for over 15 years, and runs an 800-member Dachshund Club in Seattle. She also helps other pet bloggers leverage their blog into a business at PetBlogBiz.com and helps pet-related businesses develop a strategy to drive traffic to their blogs at PetTalkMedia.com.
1.5 weeks later I get a plastic puzzle toy in the mail. I'm confused, I thought I was supposed to be getting a plush replacement (my pup LOVES plushes) I feel bad for asking a fourth time, but honestly I pay $25.00 a month for this box. So I ask about the replacement plush, as nicely as possible and am told they don't send out the same types of toys if my dog is just going to destroy them quickly, but they'll send me out a plush anyway, even though they don't usually do that."
I pay approximately $18 a month for the box. It is worth it to see how excited my dog gets when the box arrives. Her nose is right in there when I open it. She has never received a treat she didn't like. One time, we received cleaning cloths to wipe off muddy feet. She didn't like them so much . . . . the treats and toys are way more popular around here.
Subscriptions seem to be on autorenew. Right now, I pay for a year at a time. I can't remember if there is an option to pay for a month at a time or not. I am thinking not. Subscribers set up an account and from there, you can cancel if you desire. That option appears to be easy to figure out and not hidden like some autoship companies. The one thing I did not like is not getting a notification of when it was time for my yearly subscription rate being charged to my credit card. It's possible there was an e-mail but if there was, I didn't see it. I realize it is my responsibility to keep track of that. I do not know if it is possible to cancel mid-subscription if, heaven forbid, something would happen to my dog. I have to think it's possible as getting a new BarkBox could be painful shortly after losing a pet.
I was so excited to love BarkBox. First box, first toy, my pup pops the seam in less then 5 minutes (tug o' war with another dog). I request a replacement and was told "Not to worry, I am going to go ahead and send you out that replacement! I went ahead and marked you down for our more durable plush option at no extra cost, since you said she loves her plush toys. I know you said you wanted to test out a puzzle toy so I am going to go ahead and send you one right now:) Please tell Tonks it should arrive within 3-5 business days!"
Worth every single penny. I literally can not say enough amazing things about BarkBox. First of all, and most importantly, my 3 dogs LOVE IT! Secondly, all of the toys are FUN, creative, and durable. You can buy seconds of ones your pup loves and seconds on treats as well. Thirdly! They have this really cool program where if your pup destroys something, you can post the aftermath on any social media, tag #destroyersclub and barkbox will give you credit on barkshop for some new toys!
Decided to try Barkbox for my 2 Malinois and my Boston Terrier. They are sharing one box started three months ago. All but one toys from the first 2 boxes are still intact. And they like the baked treats. My third box was stolen from the post office parcel box, and the company replaced it even though it was clearly not their fault. Would highly recommend this. The dogs and I have fun with the boxes!
“If our social media team was run by marketers, you’d see a lot more photos of just the box and our products from that month,” said Bark’s marketing director Rachel Mansfield. “Our team of comedians finds ways to creatively produce silly videos that highlight our products in our own way. We’re coming up with the stories around our monthly themes six months in advance, and the people on our social teams are in the room brainstorming with the marketing team. That thread of humor is throughout everything.”
It’s listed in my comparison post and it’s a good box. It didn’t make it to my top 3 though. It’s been around a long time and not changed much since the beginning. That is a good thing because most other boxes have come and gone. It also means that more modern offerings have come out that offer more like customization/personalization and more donations to charity though. Each of them on my top three have a little something special and/or their products and treats were just a bit better than the rest.
Hey Blanca and pack! Thanks so much for your kind words and great review! We are so happy to hear that you guys are loving the monthly boxes! We know that every pup is different so we try out best to cater to your pups needs wether it be with more durability or allergy options! Then in the meantime if there is anything that we might be able to help with please don't hesitate to let us know. We are always happy to help at any time.
Barkbox has allergy options and you can customize all toys or all treats or any combination you just need to call or chat with them. Also, if a dog doesn’t like a toy or treat they will send you a replacement. If you get the super chewer option (more expensive) you get more durable toys made from kong like material and the guarantee if your dog destroys it they will send a new one at no charge! Their customer service is amazing and I must say I am a very happy customer!
If your arm tires out during games of fetch before your dog does, the Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher is just what you need. The Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher is a lightweight ball launcher designed to accommodate both regular tennis balls and Chuckit! compatible balls, enabling you to launch them at distances much further than you could throw on your own. In fact, this manual ball launcher allows you to throw balls further than even an automatic ball launcher can manage.
I would be interested in a comparison between the companies that donate to shelters/rescues about the cost compared to donation rate. That has a big impact on my decision of which company to use. Currently we subscribe to Rescue Box. My border collie/aussie/whoknowswhat mix destroys most of the toys in minutes, but she has such fun doing it we don’t mind. We just make sure we are watching so she doesn’t swallow anything she shouldn’t. I have 7 dogs and they all find something they want in the Rescue Box. It’s a great day when a box arrives each month no matter what.
Hi there Onyx! We’re so sorry to hear if you had anything less than an exceptional experience with us! Our shipping partners guarantee delivery within 8 business days from shipment. If the box isn’t in-paws within that time-frame, we do everything we can to make it right for you and your pack. Whether that means adding a month onto your subscription to make the next month’s box free or reshipping a box (when quantities allow), we’re always trying to keep your pup’s tail wagging! We’re totally committed to keeping our pupstomers happy, so please reach out to Lindz@BarkBox.com so we can make this right for you and your pack!
If your arm tires out during games of fetch before your dog does, the Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher is just what you need. The Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher is a lightweight ball launcher designed to accommodate both regular tennis balls and Chuckit! compatible balls, enabling you to launch them at distances much further than you could throw on your own. In fact, this manual ball launcher allows you to throw balls further than even an automatic ball launcher can manage.
I've always wanted to try a subscription for my pups but I'm a bit ashamed that this was my first experience. BarkBox was good but had major hits and misses. I have giant, playful, strong dogs and though this was indicated, I don't feel as though any size consideration is evaluated when selecting toys for the boxes. I do like that they always came with two toys because it meant each dog had 15 minutes of play time before I had to wrestle their jaws open to dig out the stuffing and bits of squeakers they were about to ingest. The treats have been great! They especially loved the apple cider treats that started to ferment when left in a cookie jar and made all their other treats reek of beer. As a consumer that willingly signed up for the box and entered my debit card information freely, I should have read more in-depth. I did not know that when you terminate your subscription that you will continue to be charged until you reach the year mark of signing up. For me it meant 9 more months of money that was to be taken out of my account had I not caught it. I like true month to month boxes where a cancellation is immediate and I wish they had made their rather off-kilter ways of charging and processing more visible. I can think of some major changes that they could make but ultimately some of the blame rests on me for not reading better. I know my pups will be sad as they've grown accustomed to their box but I can buy more durable and healthy big dog treats for just a little more money and I know it would be more worth it.

Hey Sonya and pack! Thanks so much for reaching out and we are so sorry to hear about your experience. This is not the norm for us, nor the experience that we want you to have. We know how much you and your pup depend on those monthly boxes. So we want to make sure you get them ASAP! I am also so sorry for the trouble and confusion with our warehouse move. I would love to further explain this to you and track down your box for you on my end to turn this around for you. Please reach out directly to Lindz@barkbox.com and we will get you all taken care of!

I am so far only subscribed for a month but I am so glad I did. What made me subscribe, believe it or not was the customer service, they were great. I had a ton of questions when I was browsing their website and not because I was being difficult but because I got burned by my last subscription with Pupbox. Upon receiving the first box, my decision to bite into a 6-month plan was very easily justified. Everything in the box was good quality as promised. It was a fun surprise opening the box. There were a couple of things in the box that we didn’t quite like because it had poultry, but all I had to do was email them and they sent a replacement immediately. They also explained that the welcome box is like a sample box and is in my experience whatever we didn’t want or work will be replaced, no questions asked.

Loot Pets is a subscription from Loot Crate. Its focus is on geeky dog toys, treats, and gear! You can expect apparel, accessories, toys, treats (Treats available in the USA only; An item of equal value will be substituted for international orders.) and more. Loot Pets also helps pets in need by donating $1 from each subscription purchase to local and national pet charities.

If your dog is older, or maybe more of a couch potato, he may not be one to initiate play. This is where treat-dispensing toys come in. He’s more likely to get up and out if he knows a reward is waiting for him at the end. Our Planet Dog Mazee is a perfect choice – it’s a round ball with a maze built inside. Place some treats inside and he’ll be chasing the ball for hours figuring out how to get the goods. Classic Kongs are another popular item for pet owners. You can fill them Kong treats so your has to work to retrieve them. Or fill them with some peanut butter and bananas or some pumpkin and low-fat yogurt and throw them in the freezer for a refreshing summer treat.

Some days Sutton (Chihuahua mix, 8 pounds, 1 year) has so much puppy energy left over from dog-park play that she just runs around the apartment, digs out all of her toys from the toy bin, and squeaks anything she can find for hours on end. I may be the worst pet parent ever, but all that squeaking can get annoying. So I was happy to discover Hear Doggy ultrasonic squeaker toys, because they use squeakers tuned to an ultrasonic frequency between 24 and 28 KHz that’s silent to people but still makes a fun noise for dogs. To people it sounds like the squeaker died and there’s just a little trapped air being pushed out, but apparently to a dog it still sounds like their favorite toy. Sutton gets just as excited when squeaking this thing as she does her traditional squeakers—fun times for her and a lifesaver for my ears.
Hey there Amanda and Click! Thanks so much for being a part of the pack and we are so sorry about this experience. This is the not the experience that we want you guys to have at all and would love to turn this around for you both! We know how eager you guys must be to get your box and we don't blame you at all. It looks like this month's box would be Click's second box and last month was the first. Right now the first box always auto ships right away. Then following that our boxes ship out on the 15th of the month and you can see those boxes anytime from the 15th-26th of the month. Then right now that ETA delivery date can change at any time. We are so very sorry about this and can see how that would be frustrating! Then right now when you sign up for a multi month commitment and cancel that stops the renewal. Meaning you will still get the boxes that you signed up for and none following that. We try to make that apparent at sign up, but it can be easy to miss at times. We would hate to have you and Click leave the pack and want to ensure that you get what you paid for. If you have any further questions or concerns please email us directly at Lindz@barkbox.com! We want to straighten this out to create a better experience for both of you!